Has living in San Bruno sparked your interest? San Bruno is a populous San Mateo County city located in Northern California; it’s known as the airport city due to its proximity to the San Francisco International Airport. Some refer to San Bruno as Trench Town, though there is no definitive answer as to how this nickname caught on or why it stuck.
Before San Bruno was a bustling San Francisco suburb, the Ohlone Indians inhabited the land. Captain Bruno Heceta explored and founded San Francisco Bay in 1775; however, it wasn’t incorporated as an official city until December 23, 1914. San Bruno was named after Mount San Bruno, which Captain Bruno Heceta also founded.
The city remained small and rural until the 1940s, but two historical events changed the trajectory of San Bruno’s development: the US Army’s use of the Tanforan horse track during World War II and George Williams’ purchase of the Mills Land.
Let’s explore the different aspects of living in San Bruno to determine if moving to San Bruno CA can be a good decision!
Is San Bruno a Good Place to Live?
Yes. San Bruno is a good place to live because it is a diverse and well-established San Mateo County suburb with a steady job market, strong access to commutes to both San Francisco and Silicon Valley, and a mild year-round climate.
Moreover, living in San Bruno is good because it has a diverse racial and ethnic makeup. It’s also an affluent place to live, with the median household income being $141,272, or $60,538 higher than the national average. The crime rate is also relatively low, which is impressive considering its proximity to such a large city (San Francisco)
However, there are some trade-offs to consider, such as housing costs that run well above the national average.
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Where Is San Bruno California?
San Bruno is located in San Mateo County, California, south of San Francisco; It’s 12 miles from San Bruno to San Francisco. San Bruno is also part of the San Francisco Bay Area, but it’s not a part of the city of San Francisco. Millbrae and Pacifica border San Bruno to the north and west, with South San Francisco and Daly City just up the Peninsula corridor; all of these are easily accessible by a short drive or transit. The Pacific Ocean sits just beyond the western hills, putting beach access within reach for residents.
Public Transportation in San Bruno
The city of San Bruno provides an array of public transportation options:
- Bay Area Rapid Transit: Train transportation traveling through the Peninsula, San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco, and East Bay—San Bruno is on the Peninsula. You can access their trip planner, departure times, maps, and schedules The San Bruno station is located near the Tanforan shopping and business area, within walking distance of several apartment complexes and retail centers.
- SamTrans & San Bruno: Public bus transportation provided by San Mateo County. SamTrans & San Bruno travel through San Francisco to Palo Alto. If you need fare or scheduling information, visit their website!
- Caltrain in San Bruno: Affordable train transit for commuters traveling to San Francisco, Silicon Valley, or any city between the two. The schedule, fare info, and a live interactive map are available on the Caltrain website.
Getting around San Bruno is easy and affordable with top-notch public transportation services!
San Bruno Population & Demographics
Although San Bruno’s population is impressive (42,307), the city has experienced a 3.61% population decline since 2020. Considering California saw a 54,000-person population decrease in 2026, seeing a dip in San Bruno’s population isn’t surprising. San Bruno, CA, still has the 5th highest population in San Mateo County.
What Is the Racial and Ethnic Makeup of San Bruno CA?
One of San Bruno’s most attractive attributes is its racial and ethnic makeup! 33.2% is White (28.6% white, non-Hispanic or Latino), 29.2% Hispanic or Latino, 31.7% Asian, 15.8% two or more races, 2.6% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, 2.3% Black or African American, and 0.4% Native American or Alaska Native. San Bruno has a foreign-born population of 35.9%; you can expect a diverse group of neighbors when living in San Bruno. San Bruno, San Francisco is also highly educated;90.5% have high school diplomas, and 45.2% have bachelor’s degrees or higher (around 80% of the rate of its metro area).
Source: USA Census
Additional San Bruno, CA Demographics:
- Median household income: $141,272 (US $80,734)
- Sex ratio: 50 females to 50 males
- Veteran population: 3.3%
- Median age: 39.8 years old (the age distribution skews toward working-age professionals and established families)
- Number of housing units: 16,433
- Owner-occupied: 62%
- Renter-occupied: 38%
Famous People From San Bruno CA :
Some of the famous people from San Bruno CA are:
- Emma Chamberlain
- Ky Hollenbeck
- Wally Bunker
Is San Bruno Safe?
San Bruno is a safe area to live in. According to the FBI, the San Bruno crime rate is 2,222 per 100k people, California’s is 2,564 per 100k people, and the US’s is 2,119 per 100k people. It means San Bruno crime rate is roughly 13% below the California average and only about 5% above the US average, which is driven almost entirely by property crime, not violent crime.
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Additional crime rate statistics:
- San Bruno violent crime rate per 100k people: 257
- California violent crime rate per 100k people: 486
- US violent crime rate per 100k people: 359
San Bruno’s violent crime rate is about 47% lower than the state’s and 29% lower than the national average.</p>
- San Bruno property crime rate per 100k people: 1,965
- California property crime rate per 100k people: 2,078
- US property crime rate per 100k people: 1,760</li></li>
San Bruno’s property crime rate is about 5% lower than the state’s but roughly 12% higher than the national average.
Overall, San Bruno’s crime rate is lower than the state average, and violent crime isn’t common here, making it a very safe
place to call home! </strong>Credit goes in part to the San Bruno Police Department, whose officers work to keep the community secure through active patrols and quick response.
Cost of Living in San Bruno CA
San Bruno is one of the pricier places to live in the country, driven almost entirely by housing. Utilities and grocery stores also run well above the national average, but home and rent prices are the main story.
San Bruno is 39% more expensive than the average US state; its Cost of Living Index (COLI) is 154, and the housing index here is 130% higher than the US average. Housing is the highest cost here, but utilities are also 32% higher, and groceries are 31% higher.
Before moving anywhere, it’s important to compare the cost of living with that of where you currently live, and ensure your income can support your lifestyle in a new city. To save you some time, we’ve done the research for you! The Economic Policy Institute says a family of four should earn an annual income of $245,257to live comfortably in San Mateo County, CA.
Housing should cost you around $44,309 a year; the median home price in San Bruno is $1.39 million, and the market is competitive! Most of the inventory is made up of single family homes, which typically receive seven offers and sell within 19 days. The median price per square foot has decreased by 12.4% and now sits at $794. Although the market is pricey, the San Bruno homes for sale are all beautiful (and boast a great location) You should start your search soon; these properties are going fast!
The rental market is just as competitive as the San Bruno real estate market, but for many, it’s still the most affordable option. 39% of housing units are rentals, which is likely due to the high home prices. The average rent in San Bruno, according to RentCafe, is $3,113 for a 714-square-foot unit. The US average rent for a 908-square-foot rental is $1,750.
Average Cost of Living in San Bruno
Other factors to consider when living in San Bruno include grocery costs, taxes, and utilities.
Typical living expenses in San Bruno*:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $25.00
- Gallon of milk: $6.21
- Pound of white rice: $3.18
- Dozen eggs: $6.53
- Pound of local cheese: $10.23
- Average San Bruno utilities per month: $430-$550 (per Doxo)
Source: Numbeo.
*Although some figures are for San Francisco, you can expect similar prices when living in San Bruno.
San Bruno Neighborhoods | Where to Live in San Bruno
Here are the best neighborhoods in San Bruno!
Downtown San Bruno | Ideal for Young Adults
If you’re a young adult looking for a lively place to stake your claim, Downtown San Bruno is the place to be. This quaint neighborhood is located between Huntington Avenue and El Camino Real in the city’s downtown area. It’s great for young adults because there are countless bars, great restaurants, and shops to explore! When living in the neighborhood, you can access diverse career opportunities, enjoy proximity to inner-city conveniences, and enjoy a lively urban lifestyle!
Portola | Family-Friendly San Bruno Neighborhood
Portola provides ideal suburban living and a great school district for your children. Little Forest Explorers, Highlands Christian Schools, and Portola Elementary School are among the schools serving Portola. There is a neighborhood park providing plenty of greenery for your children and pets to run around, and you’re still plenty close to the lively downtown San Bruno.
Although homes are expensive (around one million dollars), if you’re looking for a peaceful, charming neighborhood that’s safe for your family, look to the Western Hills of San Bruno; you’ll find lovely Portola and its many homes for sale! Adjacent pockets like Portola Highlands and Crestmoor Canyon offer similar quiet, hillside character with tree-lined streets and a touch more space between properties.
Mills Park
Mills Park is one of San Bruno’s most established neighborhoods. The homes were built in the 1940s and 50s and boast a funky, vintage design. Whether Spanish, Colonial, or Contemporary is your style, Mills Park has the options to accommodate you. The neighborhood is positioned just minutes from San Bruno City Park and has plenty of sidewalk and yard space to satisfy a child’s or dog’s recreational needs. If you want a laid-back lifestyle, consider this San Bruno neighborhood!
Additional pros are:
- Proximity to public transit, including BART and Caltrain
- Sidewalks for your children
- Many parks, restaurants, and leisure facilities are located nearby
Overall, Mills Park is a great neighborhood in San Bruno to consider.
San Bruno Weather & Climate
San Bruno has a Köppen classification of mild Mediterranean climate, which is described as mild temperatures with warm, dry summers and cool, damp winters; the summers are long, and the winters are short. Temperatures stay comfortable year-round, ranging from 45 degrees Fahrenheit to 71 degrees Fahrenheit. It rarely drops below 38 or goes above 81. The Bay Area is more humid than most of California and is sometimes compared to Florida due to its high humidity levels.
San Bruno receives an average annual rainfall of 21 inches and 0 inches of snowfall. The most humid month is January, with a daily average of 88%; October is the least humid at 71%. The winter season stays mild compared to most of the country, rarely dipping into freezing territory. The best time to visit San Bruno is late June to early October; you can soak in the sunshine, enjoy some warm-weather activities, and skip the humidity!
Things to Do in San Bruno
San Bruno boasts great shopping (like The Shops at Tanforan and the San Bruno Towne Center) alongside its various attractions and outdoor activities! The nearby San Bruno Mountain State & County Park is a major draw, with miles of hiking trails and panoramic views stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Bay.
San Bruno City Park
This is one of the best San Bruno Parks in the city; San Bruno City Park is dog-friendly, features various sports fields and playgrounds, and offers a great place for your children to play.
251 City Park Way, San Bruno, CA 94066, (650) 616-7180
San Bruno Golf Center
San Bruno Golf Center is the perfect driving range in the Bay Area to practice your swing! Whether it’s boys’ night, date night, or family night, you’ll be satisfied with your visit.
2101 Sneath Ln, San Bruno, CA 94066, (650) 952-1901
Artichoke Joe’s Casino
Artichoke Joe’s is a lively casino, bar, and restaurant that’s been in business for over 100 years. This is one of the best things to do in San Bruno!
659 Huntington Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066, (650) 589-8812
Additional Attractions in and Near San Bruno
The San Bruno Park and Recreation Department maintains the lovely parks in San Bruno. The department ensures the city remains tight-knit and family-friendly by often hosting fun events throughout the city; you can browse these events on their special events calendar.
San Bruno Restaurants
From diner food to authentic Mexican cuisine, San Bruno offers countless options from diverse cultures, all within a short walk or drive! Here are the best restaurants in San Bruno!
Jacks San Bruno
This lively breakfast joint serves bar food, American classics, and a variety of pasta dishes!
1050 Admiral Ct Suite A, San Bruno, CA 94066, (650) 589-2222
Taqueria San Bruno
Taqueria is one of the best restaurants in San Bruno. Indulge in traditional Mexican cuisine amid a house margarita at this authentic Mexican restaurant!
1045 San Mateo Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066, (650) 873-1752
Mazra
If you’re not in the mood for American or Mexican cuisine, Mazra can satisfy your craving. This notable San Bruno restaurant serves up decadent, must-try Greek dishes.
504 San Bruno Ave W, San Bruno, CA 94066, (650) 225-9027
San Bruno Jobs
Before moving to San Bruno, let’s take a closer look at its economy. San Bruno has a steady local economy and a healthy job market. The unemployment rate is below the U.S. average, and the largest industries are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional/scientific/technical services.
However, the average hourly rate in San Bruno is $42, and the average base salary is $117,000. 58.1% of people living in San Bruno earn $100,000 or more. Below are common professions and their earnings.
| Job Title | Average Hourly Wage |
| Human Resources (HR) Assistant | $23 |
| Office Manager | $29 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $52 |
The largest industries in San Bruno are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and professional, scientific, & technical services. Walmart Global eCommerce, YouTube, the City of San Bruno, and Skyline College are some of San Bruno’s largest employers.
While we understand how frustrating job hunting can be in a new city, you can take comfort in knowing that plenty of jobs in San Bruno are awaiting your application! Whether you’re hoping to score your dream job at YouTube’s headquarters or you’re a passionate public servant more interested in the city of San Bruno jobs, this growing town has plenty of opportunities.
San Bruno Schools
If you’re considering moving to San Bruno and have children or plan to advance your education, it’s important to look into its school district and nearby colleges! San Bruno is part of the San Bruno Park School District, which has seven schools. The district’s mission is to empower all students in its schools by providing social and emotional support.
- The whole child
- Accountability
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Respect
- Ethical behavior
- Innovation and creativity
San Bruno doesn’t just boast a school system that values adolescent students; the city is also near notable colleges and a respected community college; the University of California San Francisco, and San Francisco State University are less than 10 miles north! If you need a quiet place to study, the San Bruno Library is a great option. The library offers virtual tutors for all ages, a homework center, in-person storytimes, and even student success courses; you can keep track of its many programs through its special events calendar.
San Bruno Statistics & Information
- County: San Mateo County
- San Bruno area: 5.49 square miles
- San Bruno zip code: 94066
- San Bruno area code: 650
- San Bruno elevation: 41 feet
- San Bruno time zone: Pacific Daylight Time (GMT-7)
- Closest airport to San Bruno: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is 3.3 miles from San Bruno
San Bruno CA Map
Explore more things to do with this map of San Bruno!
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in San Bruno
How Much Does It Cost to Live in San Bruno?
Housing is the dominant expense. The median home price is around $1.27 million, and the average apartment rents for roughly $3,216 a month, which is close to double the national average. Utilities and groceries also run above the U.S. average. A comfortable household income for the area is well into six figures, which is reflected in San Bruno’s median household income of about $141,272.
What Is San Bruno Known for?
San Bruno is best known as “the airport city” for its location next to San Francisco International Airport (SFO is about 3 miles away). It’s also home to YouTube’s headquarters, the historic site of the former Tanforan racetrack, and easy access to BART, Caltrain, and SamTrans transit. The city is recognized for its diversity and its proximity to both San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
How Far Is San Bruno From San Francisco?
San Bruno is about 12 miles south of San Francisco and is part of the San Francisco Bay Area, though not part of the city itself. The commute is manageable by car, BART, or Caltrain, which makes it a popular choice for people who work in San Francisco or down the Peninsula.
What Are the Best Neighborhoods in San Bruno?
Three stand out for different lifestyles: Downtown San Bruno suits young adults who want walkable access to bars, restaurants, and shops; Portola is the family pick, with a good school district and quiet, suburban streets in the western hills; and Mills Park offers established, vintage-character homes from the 1940s and ’50s near San Bruno City Park. Hillside condo community Shelter Creek is also a popular pick for buyers who want a lower entry point.
Moving to San Bruno? Contact Us for a Free Estimate!
If you’re interested in moving to San Bruno, we think you’re on the right track. San Bruno is a wealthy, diverse community with a steady economy, a low crime rate, and several genuinely great neighborhoods. When you’re ready to transition, call AMS Relocations at 650-284-2931 for a free estimate! We’re the best San Bruno movers, and we’re ready to help!
